The highlight of our day today was a visit to the takin reserve. The takin is an endangered animal which is the national animal of Bhutan. It is only found between 5-7000 feet in altitude and has been hunted mercilessly for its medicinal properties. It is the strangest looking animal which apparently defies taxonomy. The reserve is used for breeding purposes and the offspring are returned to the wild.

A museum, 2 dzongs, an archery competition, a hand-made paper factory, a large fruit and vegetable market and a new city made up today's itinerary. We are now in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, with a population of about 90,000. Here, two weeks ago, the handsome king of Bhutan was married to his beautiful bride amongst much pomp and ceremony. Their pictures are everywhere here and many people are wearing buttons with their photos on them. The dzongs we visi...